The surgery may also be done to repair cosmetic problems. This may include receding chin, protruding jaw, or lips that don’t meet. It may also be done to repair problems from:

Facial injuries

Birth defects

Genetic conditions

Bone disease or conditions that affect bone growth

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Numbness or pain in sinuses, ears, or teeth

Excess bleeding

No improvement in symptoms

Poor cosmetic outcome

Adverse reaction to anesthesia, such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and wheezing

Infection

Nausea and vomiting

Factors that may increase the risk of problems include:

Smoking

Bleeding disorders

Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease

Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The change in your jaw will require a change in the position of your teeth. To prepare your teeth for the surgery, you may have several months of dental care. Your dentist may use braces or similar tools to help shift your teeth into the correct position.

Closer to your surgery, you may have x-ray and models of your teeth done. This will help guide surgical work.

Talk to your doctor if you take any medications, herbs, or supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

You may be asked to not eat or drink anything starting the night before your surgery.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

The exact procedure will depend on your specific needs. Most incisions will be made inside the mouth. Some incisions may need to be made outside of the mouth.

The specific work done on the bones will depend on your needs. Some steps may include:

Removing a section of bone

Separating a portion of the jaw so that is can be moved backward or forward

Reattaching the new edges of bone with metal plates, screws, or wires

The bones will be adjusted until the upper and lower teeth are lined up.

The incisions may be closed with stitches or a special liquid that acts like glue. Gauze may be placed over the surgical wounds. The gauze will stay in place for a few hours after surgery. Rubber bands may also be used with a dental appliance. They will help keep your jaw in alignment until your jaw heals.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. The gauze may be removed when you wake up.

Ice may be placed around your jaw to decrease swelling.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of surgery will depend on the changes made to your jaw. It may be 2-4 hours.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. As you recover, you may have some pain. Your doctor will give you medication to manage any pain.

Average Hospital Stay

You may need to stay in the hospital for 2-5 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

You will be asked to start with a modified diet. Depending on the details of your surgery, your doctor may recommend just liquids at first or soft solids. You will be given a schedule to work back toward your normal diet.

You will be able to notice cosmetic change right away. Your jaw will need to heal before you can do normal movements. As a result, it may take some time to feel the improvements in bite or jaw movement.

At Home

Certain activities will need to be avoided until the jaw is healed. You will be instructed on how to care for the incision site to prevent infection. Dietary changes may be need to be maintained at home until the doctor says it is okay to return to a normal diet. A dietitian will help with meal planning.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the surgery site

Foul smelling breath

Persistent nausea or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given

Spitting or vomiting blood

New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.